Johor Bahru Jazz Festival 2015

Sadao Watanabe is a titan in the world of jazz music. His talent has seen him perform in some of the biggest cities and most prestigious festivals in the world, including Tokyo, New York and London. And Come February 2015, one more city will be added to that list - Johor Bahru.

The world-renowned jazz saxophonist will headline the inaugural Johor Bahru Jazz Festival, a four-days jazz music extravaganza from February 26, 2015 to March 1, 2015, which will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton, Johor Bahru

Joining Sadao at this year's festival are Italian a-Capella group Mezzotono, who last year performed to a rapturous reception at the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival. The five talented singers reproduce the sounds of musicals instruments, while their often comical approach encourages audience participation in a fun and unique way.

Also appearing at the festival is Singaporean musician Jeremey Monteiro, who is one of the best known jazz pianist in Southeast Asia. He will be performing alongside organist Alberto Marsico, Shawn Letts on saxophone, guitarist, Teriver Cheung, guest vocalist Rani Singam and Bangkok based Amerian drummer Shawn Kelley. Malaysian jazz great Favid Gomes also returns to Johor bahru, with the David Gomes Jazz Ensemble featuring Junji Delfino.

Image Credit JB Art Festival

Renowned percussionist Steve Thornton who has worked with greats from Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis to Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey, will also returning to Johor Bahru after his performance at last year's JB Arts Festival. He will be joined by his band Afro Asia, as well as local saxophonist Razak Rahman.

Rounding up the lineup are Xiong Quintet, who will be presenting various genres of music from Brazil mixed with a healthy dose of jazz harmonies and improvisations; and RustiKa Quartet, a young jazz group that will bring their originals and arrangements of jazz standards in the spirit of youthful exuberance of today 's generation, while paying tribute to the roots of the Jazz genre.